A MAJOR Chinese Filipino business group welcomed the government’s decision to grant Chinese nationals visa-free entry to the Philippines for up to 14 days, saying the move could significantly boost tourism and drive economic growth.
In a statement on Friday, January 16, the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) described the policy as a “decisive and progressive” reform that would make the Philippines more competitive in attracting Chinese travelers.
“We at FFCCCII believe that tourism is the quintessential low-hanging fruit of the Philippine economy,” it said. “This policy directs a powerful economic engine toward the heart of our nation.”
According to the FFCCCII, Chinese outbound travel is expected to exceed prepandemic levels of about 155 million trips and could reach more than 200 million trips by 2028.
Based on the latest data from the Department of Tourism, China ranked sixth among countries with the most visitor arrivals from Jan. 1 to Dec. 20, 2025, with 262,144 Chinese tourists visiting the Philippines.
Easing government restrictions on Chinese travelers, the chamber said, would help the Philippines attract a larger share of them, many of whom are among the world’s highest-spending tourists.
This visa-free policy came just days after the FFCCCII issued a call for reforms to revitalize the Philippine tourism industry, citing the country’s visa system as less competitive than those of other Southeast Asian countries.
With the new rules, the chamber said it anticipates increased arrivals from China to bring broad benefits, particularly for micro, small and medium businesses, as well as rural communities outside Metro Manila.
“Today’s Chinese traveler is increasingly affluent, tech-savvy and seeks meaningful experiences,” the chamber said. “They are among the world’s highest-spending tourists, with a strong willingness to pay for family travel, in-depth cultural exploration, shopping, island leisure, and premium culinary experiences.”
The FFCCCII vowed to mobilize its domestic and overseas business networks to help promote the Philippines as a destination.
It also called on the aviation, hospitality, retail, security and local government to work together to ensure a high-quality tourism experience.
“This is not just about tourists; it is about creating sustainable livelihoods, empowering local entrepreneurs, and fostering truly inclusive Philippine economic growth that reaches every corner of our islands,” the chamber said. (Logan Kal-El M. Zapanta © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
